LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION ON EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY Senate - - PDF document

LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION ON EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY

Senate Finance Committee Room November 18, 2019

• West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Title 133, Legislative Rule,

Series 3, Higher Education Accountability System 1

• Dr. Chris Treadway, Senior Director of Research and Policy
• West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Title 133, Legislative Rule,

Series 26, Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program and Teacher Education Loan Repayment Program 11

• Mr. Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid
• Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program

25

• Mr. Matt Turner, Vice Chancellor for Administration

Report to the Legislative Oversight Commission

• n Education Accountability

Approval of Legislative Rule West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Title 133, Series 3, Higher Education Accountability System

1

2

133CSR3 1 TITLE 133 LEGISLATIVE RULE WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY COMMISSION SERIES 3 HIGHER EDUCATION REPORT CARDACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM §133-3-1. General. 1.1. Scope. -- This rule establishes definitions, guidelines and procedures which will direct the development of the database and the comparable information to be included in the annually published Higher Education Report Card.sets forth an accountability system for West Virginia public higher education institutions under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission). 1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Code §18B-1-8a.,§18B-1-1a, §18B-1-6, and §18B-1-8, §18B-1B-4, §18B- 1D-1, and §18B-1D-8. 1.3. Filing Date. -- April 9, 2002. 1.4. Effective Date. -- April 9, 2002. 1.5. This Rule repeals and replaces 128-16 and 131-16 which became effective on June 9, 1996. Sunset

• Date. -- This rule shall terminate and have no further force or effect upon

§133-3-2. Purpose. 2.1. The primary purposes of this report are to: This rule describes the responsibilities of the Commission and public higher education institutions under its jurisdiction to West Virginia taxpayers for the performance of the state public higher education system. 2.2. The rule sets forth an accountability system for the Commission and institutions under its jurisdiction. 2.13. The rule defines requirements for a public reporting system that facilitates the dissemination of higher education accountability data through internet-based data tools and published reports. At a minimum, the public reporting system must: 2.13.1. Provide basic thorough and consistent data and other relevant information to be used in assessing progress of the Higher Education Policy Commission and its member institutions toward the goals and objectives as stated in W. Va. Code §18B-1-1a; 2.13.2. Provide a basis for comparing institutional and system performance with regional and national norms toward accomplishing the goals and objectives as stated in W. Va. Code §18B-1-1a; 2.13.3. Provide information to assist the Commission in assessing institutional and system progress toward statewide and institutional higher education goals;

3

133CSR3 2 2.13.4. Provide additional information to assist the Commission in assessing institutional and system progress relative to historical, regional, and national trends; 2.13.5. Serve students, parents, faculty, staff, state policymakers and the public as a neutral and credible source of information available to parents, students, faculty, staff, state policymakers, and the general public on about the overall quality and performance of public higher education in West Virginia. §133-3-3. Definitions. 3.1. “Accountability System.” All research, reports, documents, data and any other materials, the collection, analysis and dissemination of which are necessary to accomplish the purpose of this rule. The system includes goals, objectives and priorities, public policy agendas, implementation plans, institutional mission statements and master plans, the statewide annual report, and the statewide data reporting system. 3.2. “Goal.” A long-term public purpose that is a desired and expected result for which public higher education is established. 3.3. “Higher Education Institution” or “Institution.” Bluefield State College, Concord University, Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Liberty University, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, West Virginia State University, and West Virginia University, including Potomac State College and West Virginia University Institute of Technology. 3.4. “Key Performance Indicator.” A quantifiable measure used to evaluate the success of an

• rganization in meeting objectives for performance.

3.5. “Objective.” End to be accomplished or attained within a specified period of time for the purpose

• f meeting established goals.

3.6. “Priority.” The order in which objectives are to be addressed for the purpose of achieving state goals. 3.7. “State Compact.” A formal written agreement between the Commission and at least one other external entity to achieve state goals and objectives where significant collaboration and commitment of resources between the partners to the agreement is required in order to achieve the desired results. 3.8. “Statewide Annual Report.” A report or series of reports that outlines significant trends, identifies major areas of concern, and assesses the progress of Commission and the institutions under its jurisdiction toward achieving state, system or institution goals or objectives. 3.9. “Statewide Data Reporting System.” A collection of information management tools that provide public access to data on the performance of the Commission and institutions under its jurisdiction. §133-3-34. General Guidelines for Data Collection and Reporting. 34.1. The following will guide the further development of the existing higher education database and the collection of data which will comprise the Higher Education Report Card Statewide Data Reporting System and the Statewide Annual Report:

4

133CSR3 3 34.1.1. All data reported will be based on uniform and consistent definitions as established by the Commission. 34.1.2. Institutional requirements for additional record keeping and reporting will be minimized. 34.1.3. Data element collection procedures and report timelines will be established by the Commission. 3.1.4. The Higher Education Report Card shall be brief and contain concise, non-technical language, including relevant explanations. 3.1.5. The preparation, printing, and distribution of the Higher Education Report Card will follow a schedule determined by the Commission so that the final document will be prepared by January 1 of each

• year. The Commission shall provide technical assistance (as needed) in data collection and reporting.

3.1.6. The Higher Education Report Card shall be prepared using institutional, system, and state, regional, and national data as applicable and available indicating performance of the individual institutions and public higher education as a whole. It shall be based upon information for the preceding academic school year, or for the most recent complete school year for which such information is available. Goals and trends for the institutions shall also be indicated in relation to higher education goals as stated in W. Va. '18B-1-1a. 3.1.7. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data will serve as primary sources for peer data comparisons. Historical trend data and other relevant data comparisons will be used as appropriate. 3.2. The president or administrative head of each public college, university, regional campus, or community and technical college shall be responsible for ensuring that all requested information is submitted annually to the Commission and shall certify that the information submitted has been reviewed for accuracy. 3.3.4.2. All detailed background data used in compiling the Higher Education Report Card Statewide Annual Report shall be maintained on file at the Commission for a reasonable time. §133-3-5. Key Performance Indicators and Goal Setting.

5.1. For the institutions under its jurisdiction, and not the exempted schools, the Commission shall

adopt a set of key performance indicators to measure institutional and system progress toward achieving state, system and institutional objectives. These indicators will focus on institution- and system-level performance in the areas of finance, admissions, enrollment, academics, student outcomes, and other areas as deemed appropriate by the Commission. 5.2. In cooperation with the institutions under its jurisdiction, the Commission shall set state, system and institutional goals for each of the adopted key performance indicators. 5.3. Higher education central office staff shall develop and update at least annually a public internet- based data tool that will display system and institutional progress toward meeting established goals.

5

133CSR3 4 5.4. Higher education central office staff shall present an annual report to the Commission about progress made toward meeting established goals. §133-3-6. Statewide Annual Report and Statewide Data Reporting System. 6.1. Purpose. 6.1.1. A primary purpose of the statewide data reporting system and statewide annual report is to make information available to students, parents, faculty, staff, state policymakers and the public on the quality and performance of public higher education. 6.1.2. A primary purpose of the statewide annual report is to provide a mechanism to evaluate the annual progress of the Commission and institutions under its jurisdiction in achieving state and system goals and objectives. 6.2. Contents. 6.2.1. The statewide annual report shall provide information on the performance of state higher education institutions, including health sciences education, in relation to the state and system goals,

• bjectives and priorities.

6.2.2. When possible, the statewide annual report shall be based upon information for the current school year or for the most recent school year for which information is available, in which case the year shall be clearly noted. 6.2.3. When possible, the statewide data reporting system shall break down data by institution, including Potomac State College and West Virginia University Institute of Technology, and by system. 6.2.4. When possible, the system report card statewide annual report shall provide regional and/or national comparison data. 6.2.5. When possible, the information contained in the statewide annual report and the statewide data reporting system shall allow for easy comparison with higher education-related data collected and disseminated by the Southern Regional Education Board, the United States Department of Education and

• ther education data-gathering and data-disseminating organizations.

6.2.6. The information contained in the statewide annual report and the statewide data reporting system shall be consistent and comparable between and among higher education institutions. 6.2.7. To the extent practicable, the statewide annual report shall be analysis-driven, rather than solely data-driven, and present information in a format that will help inform education policymaking. 6.3. Implementation. 6.3.1. The higher education central office staff, under the direction of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, shall provide technical assistance to each institution and governing board in data collection and reporting.

6

133CSR3 5 6.3.2. The president or chief executive officer of each higher education institution shall prepare and submit all requested data to the Commission at the times established by the Commission. 6.3.3. The higher education central office staff, under the direction of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, is responsible for maintaining the statewide data reporting system and developing the statewide annual report using data and information submitted by each institution. 6.3.4. The statewide annual report shall be completed no later than January 1 annually with printed copies provided to the Commission and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education

• Accountability. The report shall also be published in electronic format to the Commission’s official

website. 6.3.5. An executive summary highlighting specifically the trends, progress toward meeting goals and objectives and major areas of concern for public higher education, including medical education, shall be presented annually to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability during interim meetings in January. §133-3-47. Health Sciences Indicators and Rural Health Data Collection and Reporting. 47.1. In addition to applicable information required by Section 34 of this rule, each health sciences school shall be responsible for ensuring that all requested information is submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences. 47.2. The Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences shall make available to the public through the Statewide Data Reporting System or through the annual Health Sciences Report Card information specific to each of the state’s health sciences schools, including: 4.27.2.1. For each health sciences school, the Higher Education Report Card shall include hHistorical trend information for medical and dental students, tuition and fees, faculty, specialization of graduates, revenues and expenditures, passage rates on licensing examinations, and in-state retention of graduates. 4.37.2.2. The Higher Education Report Card shall indicate for each health sciences school tThe number and dollar value of loans made through the medical student loan program as well as default rates for the most recent year. 4.4.7.2.3. The Higher Education Report Card shall indicate for each health sciences school tThe number and dollar value of aid awarded through the Health Sciences Scholarship Service Program for the most recent year. 4.5. In addition, each health sciences school shall annually: 4.5.1. Report to the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences all contractual and/or financial agreements with non-profit and for-profit entities receiving monies from the health sciences schools; 4.5.2. Submit to the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences for review audits of the expenditures of each health sciences school and any audit received from such non-profit and for-profit entities determined by the Commission to have a significant affiliation to the health sciences school; and

7

133CSR3 6 4.5.3. Submit to the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences a report projecting capital projects,

• perating expenses, and anticipated areas of expansion.

4.6. Information required in Sections 4.1. through 4.4. shall be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences who shall compile the information for inclusion in the Higher Education Report Card. 4.7. In addition to any and all information required in Sections 3 and 4, the following shall occur: 4.7.1. The Vice Chancellor shall review each institution's yearly report required in subsection 4.5.3.

• f this rule and will prepare an annual, comprehensive review and recommendations for allocation of state
• r other tax support for health sciences.

4.7.2. The Vice Chancellor shall review each institution's accreditation report. Accreditation reviews are conducted on a schedule set by the appropriate accreditation agency. The Vice Chancellor's review will depend on the institution's accreditation schedule. 4.7.3. The Vice Chancellor shall review each year the role and mission of each medical school and, based on outcome measures developed jointly with each school, submit an evaluation of each school's performance to the Legislature and also report on the quality of health sciences education. 4.7.4. The Vice Chancellor shall review the yearly audits as required by 4.5.2. and shall provide a report regarding financial management and operation of medical schools including proposals and barriers to improving efficiency and generating cost savings. 4.8. Each health sciences school shall assist the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences in meeting the requirements of Section 4.7. 4.9. Other information deemed necessary or helpful by the Commission or the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences may be requested at any time. §133-3-5. Rural Health Indicators. 5.1. The Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences shall annually report to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission on the West Virginia Rural Health Education Partnerships. At a minimum this report shall include, but is not limited to, identification of the sites, number of students involved, and student weeks served for the most recently concluded year. 5.2. The findings of this section shall be included in the Higher Education Report Card. §133-3-6. Presentation of Higher Education Report Card. 6.1. The Higher Education Report Card shall be presented annually at a regular meeting of the Commission. 6.2. The Higher Education Report Card format adopted by the Policy Commission shall be completed and disseminated with copies to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability prior to or by January 1, 2002 and each year thereafter. The Policy Commission will review formats and definitions annually to add new measures related to emerging state issues and delete measures which are no longer relevant.

8

133CSR3 7 133-3-8. State Compacts. 8.1. The Commission may identify important state and system goals, objectives and priorities that it and institutions under its jurisdiction acting alone will be unable to accomplish. In such cases, the Commission may authorize the Chancellor to enter into state compacts, or contracts, with external entities. 8.2. In determining whether a state compact may be appropriate, the Chancellor shall consider: 8.2.1. Whether significant collaboration with an external entity or entities is necessary or advantageous to increase the likelihood of accomplishing a goal, objective or priority; 8.2.2. Whether an external entity or entities would need to make a significant commitment of resources to accomplish a goal, objective or priority; and 8.2.3. Whether an external entity or entities is/are receptive to entering into a state compact. 8.3. At a minimum, a state compact shall: 8.3.1. Identify the parties to the compact; 8.3.2. Identify the term of the compact; 8.3.3. Set forth measurable outcomes the parties seek to achieve by entering into the compact; 8.3.4. Identify what each party will contribute in terms of resources as part of the compact; 8.3.5. Set forth a system for evaluating the success or failure of the compact to achieve the

• utcomes sought; and

8.3.6. Provide that the failure of one party to the compact to perform excuses the Commission from performance under the compact. 8.4. For the institutions under its jurisdiction, and not the exempted schools, the Commission shall approve a proposed state compact before it becomes operative and binding on the Commission and institutions under its jurisdiction. 8.5. The Chancellor shall provide a copy of any approved state compact to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability.

9

10

Report to the Legislative Oversight Commission

• n Education Accountability

Approval of Legislative Rule West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Title 133, Series 26, Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program and Teacher Education Loan Repayment Program

11

12

133CSR26

1 TITLE 133 LEGISLATIVE RULE WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY COMMISSION SERIES 26 UNDERWOOD-SMITH TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP TEACHING SCHOLARS PROGRAM AND TEACHER EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM §133-26-1. General. 1.1. Scope. This rule establishes guidelines and procedures which will direct the operation of the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program Teaching Scholars Program and Teacher Education Loan Repayment Program. 1.2. Authority. West Virginia Code §18C-4 et seq. 1.3. Filing Date. June 8, 2016. 1.4. Effective Date. June 8, 2016. 1.5. Modification of Existing Rule: Title133, Series 26, Legislative Rule of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission dated May 3, 2015. Sunset Date. -- This rule shall terminate and have no further force or effect upon §133-26-2. Purpose. 2.1. The intent of the legislation creating the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program Teaching Scholars Program is to: 2.1.a. Improve the quality of education in the public schools of West Virginia by encouraging and enabling West Virginia residents individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic abilities to pursue teaching careers in critical shortage fields at the pre-school, elementary, middle or secondary levels in the public schools of West Virginia. 2.1.b. Make particular efforts to encourage those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic abilities to pursue teaching careers by developing selection criteria and procedures to reflect the state’s present and projected teacher needs, including needs statewide and in different geographic areas and for teachers with education and training in specific disciplines critical teacher shortage fields. §133-26-3. Funding. 3.1. A special revolving fund known as the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Fund Teaching Scholars Program Fund has been created in the State Treasury and is administered by the Vice Chancellor for Administration of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) solely to grant scholarships for prospective teachers and loan repayment assistance to teachers and school

• counselors. Monies received from collections, monies appropriated by the Legislature, interest earned on

these monies, and monies received by other sources will be placed in this fund. 3.2. Carry-forward monies shall not expire or revert and will be used for future scholarships. 3.3. Additional funding may be received from gifts, grants, contributions, bequests, or endowments.

13

133CSR26

2 3.4. The Vice Chancellor for Administration shall make a reasonable effort to encourage external support for the scholarship program. 3.5. Fund balances shall be invested with the state’s consolidated investment fund and interest on these investments shall be used solely for the use that they were appropriated. 3.6. In order to encourage support for the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program Teaching Scholars Program and loan repayment programs, the Vice Chancellor for Administration may set aside up to one-half of the funds appropriated by the Legislature to match non-state source contributions on behalf

• f a specific institution of higher education in this state. Such match shall be at the rate of two state

dollars to each one dollar contributed by a private source. §133-26-4. Administration. 4.1. The Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program Teaching Scholars Program shall be administered by the Vice Chancellor for Administration or her/his designee. 4.2. The Higher Education Policy Commission, in consultation with the State Superintendent of Schools, shall promulgate reasonable legislative rules for the administration of the program and the Vice Chancellor for Administration, in accordance with such rules, shall establish appropriate guidelines for program operation. 4.3. Recipient awards shall not exceed $5,000.00 $10,000.00 per year for a maximum of four academic years for a baccalaureate degree and/or two academic years for a master’s degree. 4.4. The Vice Chancellor for Administration shall solicit the views of public and private education agencies and institutions and other interested parties in developing the selection criteria and procedures to be used by the selection panel. These views may be solicited by means of written and published selection criteria and procedures in final form for implementation. Views may also be solicited by means of public hearings on the present and projected teacher needs of the state or any other means the Vice Chancellor may deem appropriate to gather information. 4.5. The Commission and the West Virginia Board of Education jointly shall ensure that Underwood- Smith Teaching Scholar award recipients receive additional academic support and training from mentors in their academic field beginning with the freshman year and continuing through degree completion and the teaching obligation. 4.6. Model agreements between public education and higher education will be developed by Commission staff in collaboration with West Virginia Department of Education staff. 4.7. Critical teacher shortage fields will be identified by the West Virginia Department of Education annually and provided to the Commission. 4.8. Only those institutions that are regionally accredited and offer West Virginia Department of Education approved programs that lead to teacher certification and West Virginia licensure are eligible to participate in the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholars Program. 4.9. An institution otherwise eligible to participate in Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program under Section 4.8 of this rule shall be excluded from participating by the Vice Chancellor for Administration if: 4.9.a. The institution does not have a signed participation agreement in place; or

14

133CSR26

3 4.9.b. The institution has been deemed ineligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs by the United States Department of Education; or 4.9.c. The Commission determines, based upon audits and/or administrative site visits by Commission staff, that the institution has seriously mismanaged the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program or other state financial aid funds or lacks adequate institutional controls to manage such funds properly. §133-26-5. Panel Selection Criteria and Procedures. 5.1. The Governor shall designate the Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board to select Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship recipients. The Vice Chancellor for Administration shall appoint a selection panel. 5.1.a. The selection panel shall be comprised of individuals representing higher education, public education, and the community at large. 5.1.b. The selection panel is charged with selecting individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program. §133-26-6. Application Process. 6.1. Application forms will be made available to public and private high schools in the state and to public and private colleges in the state. 6.2. Applications may be distributed and the program advertised to interested parties such as, but not limited to, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Division of Rehabilitation Services, and West Virginia’s Women’s Commission in locations convenient to applicants, parents and

• thers in an effort to attract students from low income backgrounds, ethnic or racial minority students,

students with disabilities, and women or minority students who show interest in pursuing teaching careers in mathematics and science critical teacher shortage areas and who are under represented in those fields. Applications may also be distributed and the program advertised in campus newspapers, agency exhibits, and publications directed at interested parties. 6.3. In times of limited funding or limited teaching jobs in West Virginia, priority will be given to upper division college applicants. §133-26-7. Eligibility Criteria. 7.1. Academic ability shall be the primary criteria for selecting scholarship recipients. 7.2. To be eligible to receive an Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship, applicants/renewals must be West Virginia residents who are or will be enrolled on a full-time basis in an accredited institution of higher education in West Virginia pursuing a course of study leading to teacher certification at the preschool, elementary, middle or secondary level in West Virginia who: 7.2.a. Have graduated or are graduating from high school in the top 10 percent of their graduating class or the top ten percent statewide of those West Virginia students taking the American College Test or the Scholastic Assessment Test.

15

133CSR26

4 7.2.b. Have completed less than two years of college and have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade point average on a possible 4.0 scale; or 7.2.c. Are graduate students who have graduated or will be graduating with at least a 3.5 grade point average on a possible 4.0 scale from their undergraduate institution. 7.2. The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program award shall be limited to students who: 7.2.a. Have graduated or are graduating from high school with a cumulative grade point average

• f at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.

7.2.b. Have met the college algebra ready assessment standards and college readiness English, reading, and writing standards as established by the Commission. 7.2.c. Meet any and all selection criteria established by the Vice Chancellor for Administration which may include, but is not limited to, grade point average, involvement in extracurricular activities, financial need, current academic standing, expression of interest as demonstrated in a self-written essay, and letters of recommendation.. 7.2.d. Agree to teach in a critical teacher shortage field at the elementary, middle, or secondary level in a public school in the state. 7.3. To be eligible for an award, the applicant must be a citizen of the United States or if a non- citizen, that individual must hold a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit, issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 7.3.7.4. Recipients must be willing to sign a scholarship agreement which shall fully disclose the terms and conditions under which a teaching obligation must be met or repayment may be required. 7.3.a.7.4.a. A recipient may appeal any determination of non-compliance with provisions of the scholarship agreement or provisions of the award by submitting a written appeal of the specific complaint within 30 days of notification of non-compliance. Such appeal will be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Administration or her/his designee for a decision Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board. 7.3.b.7.4.b. No Underwood-Smith funds will be disbursed until a signed agreement has been received by the Vice Chancellor for Administration. 7.4. In addition to academic criteria, the following may be considered in the selection of the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship recipients: Pursuit of a degree in a teaching need area as determined by the State Board of Education, grade point average, involvement in extra-curricular activities, financial need, a written essay in which the applicant expresses her/his interest in teaching, and reference letters from faculty members. §133-26-8. Renewal Conditions. 8.1. The recipient of an Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award is eligible for scholarship renewal only during those periods when the recipient meets the following conditions: 8.1.a. Is enrolled as a full-time student in a regionally accredited institution of higher education in West Virginia;

16

133CSR26

5 8.1.b. Is pursuing a West Virginia Department of Education approved program of study leading to teacher certification and West Virginia licensure in a critical teacher shortage field at the elementary, middle, or secondary level; 8.1.c. Is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution of higher education the recipient is attending; 8.1.d. Is maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and 8.1.e. Is in compliance with any other standards the Commission may establish. §133-26-89. Service Obligation. 8.1.9.1. Each recipient of the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Teaching Scholars Program scholarship shall enter into an agreement with the Vice Chancellor for Administration that within a ten- year period one year after completing the teacher education program, the recipient agrees to: 8.1.a.9.1.a. Teach full-time in a critical teacher shortage field under contract with a county board

• f education in a public education program in West Virginia for two years for each year for which the

scholarship was received; or a period of five consecutive years. 8.1.b. Teach full-time in West Virginia, one year for each year for which the scholarship was received, under contract with a county board of education in West Virginia in a teacher shortage area, in an exceptional children program, in a school having less than average academic results or in a school in an economically disadvantaged area as determined by the State Board of Education; or 8.1.c.9.1.b. Perform substitute teaching duties with a county board of education in West Virginia for two years for each year for which the scholarship was received or if teaching in West Virginia in a teacher shortage area, in an exceptional children program, in a school having less than average academic results or in a school in an economically disadvantaged area as determined by the State Board of Education teach one year for each year the scholarship was received. in a critical teacher shortage field at the elementary, middle, or secondary level. Credit received will be pro-rated based on the number of days in the public school system year. A minimum of 60 days of substitute teaching is required to earn any credit toward the teaching obligation. 8.2. If a recipient is seeking and unable to secure a position as set out in Section 8.1 of this rule following completion of the teacher education program, he/she may be considered for additional options to fulfill the service obligation. Qualifying optional service will be credited at the rate of two years of service for each year the scholarship was received. Such service must be certified in writing by an appropriate employing official and be approved in advance by the Vice Chancellor for Administration or her/his designee. Additional options include: 8.2.a. Teach full-time or permanent part-time in a private school, parochial or other school approved under exemptions (A) or (K) for the instruction of students of compulsory school age pursuant to section one, article eight, chapter eighteen of the West Virginia code or in an accredited higher education institution or accredited post-secondary vocational education program in West Virginia; or 8.2.b. Perform alternative service or employment in West Virginia in a federal, state, county or locally supported program with an educational component, including mental or physical health care. A minimum of seventy-five percent of the work assignments must involve the educational component to be considered for credit through alternative service or employment. This may include, but not be limited to,

17

133CSR26

6 those employed as librarians, guidance counselors, instructors at prisons or juvenile correctional facilities, and certain federal early outreach and student services employees; or 8.2.c. Perform alternative service with a bona fide tax exempt charitable organization dedicated to the above. Any such employee must meet the education component criteria and percentage as set out in Section 8.2.b. 8.3. 9.2. If extenuating circumstances exist (see Section 9.4 10.4), the Vice Chancellor for Administration may extend the period for fulfilling the obligation to fifteen years. 8.4. 9.3. It is the responsibility of the recipient to provide the Vice Chancellor for Administration with evidence of compliance with teaching requirements. §133-26-910. Monetary Repayment. Provisions of Repayment. 9.1.10.1. If a recipient does not fulfill the service obligation, he/she will be required to make monetary repayment of the scholarship. 9.2.10.2. In addition to the repayment of the scholarship, interest will be charged at a rate prescribed by the Vice Chancellor for Administration and will begin to accrue at the time the repayment period begins. 9.3.10.3. If a recipient fulfills a portion of the obligation, interest will accrue from the day on which the recipient ceased to fulfill the obligation. If a recipient is substitute teaching but does not earn enough credit to fulfill any of the obligation, interest will accrue from the beginning of the deferment period. 9.4.10.4. In the event of non-compliance, payment in full will normally be expected 60 days from the date of non-compliance. In the event of extenuating circumstances the Vice Chancellor for Administration may approve an alternate payment plan or extend the time period for beginning or fulfilling the teaching

• bligation.

10.5. A recipient is not in violation of the scholarship agreement during the period in which the recipient meets the following conditions: 10.5.a. Pursuing a full-time course of study at an accredited institution of higher education; 10.5.b. Serving, not in excess of four years, as a member of the armed services of the United States; 10.5.c. Satisfying the provisions of the repayment exemptions that are prescribed by the Commission. 10.3.d. Failing to comply with the terms of the agreement due to death or permanent or temporary disability as established by sworn affidavit of a qualified physician. 9.5.10.6. As permitted by federal law, applicable state regulations, and the terms of the scholarship agreement, reasonable collection costs, late charges and attorney fees may be assessed in the collection of delinquent accounts. 9.6.10.7. If extenuating circumstances exist, the Vice Chancellor for Administration, upon receipt of appropriate documentation, may extend the period for fulfilling the obligation to fifteen years.

18

133CSR26

7 Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to, a temporary disability, inability to secure a full- time teaching position, or serious family illness. 9.7.10.8. When the Commission is advised of a recipient’s application for bankruptcy, such application will be considered by the Vice Chancellor for Administration or her/his designee in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office. 9.8.10.9. When, due to poor health, monetary hardship, or other acceptable reasons, a recipient is unable to make payments, a forbearance may be allowed if the Vice Chancellor for Administration or her/his designee has reason to believe, and so documents in the scholar’s file, that the recipient does intend to fulfill the monetary obligation. 10.10. Deferments may also be considered for other conditions and circumstances as may be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Administration. §133-26-10 11. Deferment Provisions. 10.1. A recipient is not considered in violation of the agreement entered into and is eligible for consideration of deferment of fulfilling the obligation, including the cessation of interest accrual, provided he/she is: 10.1.a. Pursuing a full-time course of study at an accredited institution of higher education. The student must provide documentation of enrollment on a semester basis. 10.1.b. Serving on active duty, not in excess of four years, as a member of the armed services of the United States. The recipient must provide documentation from an authorized military official of start date of active duty and discharge date. 10.1.c. Seeking and unable to find full-time employment with a county board of education in West Virginia or acceptable alternative service employment pursuant to Section 8.2. This deferment shall not exceed 27 months. To receive this deferment, a recipient must annually provide documentation signed by a school official from two county boards of education verifying that an application for full-time employment is on file. 10.1.d. Seeking and unable to find any full-time employment. This deferment can be approved for a single period not to exceed 12 months. Copies of written correspondence with potential employers and/or other appropriate documentation must be provided every six months. 10.1.e. Providing care for a disabled spouse for a period not to exceed 12 months. A sworn affidavit from a qualified physician must be submitted every six months. 10.1.f. Temporarily totally disabled for a period not to exceed three years. Proof of disability must be established by a sworn affidavit of a qualified physician and verified on an annual basis. 10.2. Deferments may also be considered for other conditions and circumstances as may be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Administration. §133-26-11. Cancellation of Obligation. 11.1. A recipient’s service and monetary obligation is excused in the event the recipient: 11.1.a. Becomes permanently and totally disabled as established by sworn affidavit of a qualified

19

133CSR26

8

• physician. The Vice Chancellor for Administration may require additional evidence of the disability.

11.1.b. Is deceased. A copy of the death certificate must be submitted. §133-26-12. Relationship to Other Financial Assistance. 12.1. Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Teaching Scholars Program awards plus other financial assistance shall not exceed the cost of attendance at the institution the student is attending. Cost of attendance will be provided by a financial aid officer at the school of attendance. Cost of attendance will include the cost of tuition and fees, reasonable allowances for books, educational supplies, room and board, and other expenses necessitated by individual circumstances such as a physical disability. 12.2. Should the scholarship award plus the amount of other financial awards exceed the cost of attendance, the institution’s financial aid officer, in consultation with the recipient will determine what aid is to be reduced. This adjustment should be to the best advantage of the recipient. 12.3. Institutions are strongly encouraged to allow flexibility in the use of institution based financial aid awards so that they can be used in conjunction with the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholar award. §133-26-13. Collections. 13.1. Institutions’ and Commission staff shall exercise due diligence in collecting monetary repayments from scholarship recipients. 13.2. Institutional due diligence means: 13.2.a. Conducting and documenting an entrance interview (individually or in groups) with the scholarship recipient before disbursing funds in an academic year. This requirement may be met by correspondence if the institution determines that a face-to-face meeting is not practical. 13.2.b. Conducting and documenting an exit interview with the scholarship recipient in which the institution provides the borrower with information necessary to carry out the terms of repayment, reminds the recipient of the rights and responsibilities associated with the scholarship funds and updates the recipient’s personal information to assist in locating the recipient if he or she fails to keep the institution or the Commission informed of his or her current address. 13.3. Commission due diligence means: 13.3.a. Notifying the scholarship recipient of his/her obligations at least twice annually during any grace or deferment period. 13.3.b. Performing regular billing. 13.3.c. Following up past due payments with a series of at least four documented and reasonably spaced attempts to contact the borrower, at least three of which must be in writing at not more than 30- day intervals, before the obligation becomes 120 150 days past due, provided that the Commission has a current address for the borrower. 13.3.d. Performing address searches when necessary. 13.3.e. Referring defaulted scholarships more than 120 150 days past due to the Secretary of the Department of Administration or to a collection agent.

20

133CSR26

9 13.4. In place of one or more of the procedures outlined above, institutions and Commission staff may substitute collection techniques that are equally or more effective. §133-26-14. Loan Assistance Eligibility. Teacher Education Loan Repayment Program Eligibility. 14.1. The Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board or those designated by the Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board shall select recipients to receive Underwood-Smith Teacher Loan Assistance Awards. Teacher Education Loan Repayment Program award. 14.2. Eligibility for an award is limited to a teacher an individual who is currently under contract with a county board in West Virginia employed in a public school in West Virginia to teach in a subject area of critical need as a teacher in a critical teacher shortage field or as a school counselor at the elementary, middle, or secondary level in a school or geographic area of critical need. full time. 14.3. Priority shall be given to new teachers and teachers who have previously received a loan assistance award that shall agree to teach or shall currently be teaching: a subject area of critical need in a state public school, or a teacher that shall agree to teach or shall currently be teaching a school counselor at the elementary, middle, or secondary level currently employed in a geographic area of the state identified as an area of critical need for such a field. The Vice Chancellor for Administration may develop additional eligibility criteria. 14.4. The Commission shall consult with the State Department of Education annually to determine the subject areas of critical need and the geographic areas of the state in critical need. §133-26-15. Loan Assistance Repayment Program Application. 15.1. Application forms shall be made available to public and private schools in the state via the Commission and the State Department of Education’s websites and in other locations convenient to potential applicants. 15.2. Applications will be submitted on an application form approved by the Vice Chancellor for Administration. 15.3. Applications must be submitted by such deadline as may be designated by the Vice Chancellor for Administration. §133-26-16. Loan Assistance Repayment Program Agreement. 16.1. Before receiving an award, each eligible teacher shall enter into an agreement with the Vice Chancellor for Administration. 16.2. Recipients shall agree to teach be employed full-time as a teacher or school counselor in a public school in West Virginia in a subject area or geographic area of critical need under contract with a county board for a period of two school years for each year for which loan assistance is received. 16.3. The Vice Chancellor for Administration may grant a partial award to an eligible recipient whose contract term is for less than a full school year. A partial award is calculated by prorating the full award amount based upon the number of days taught in the school’s calendar year. §133-26-17. Loan Assistance Repayment Program Awards.

21

133CSR26

10 17.1. Each award recipient is eligible to receive loan assistance of up to not less than $3,000 annually. 17.1.a. The loan amount will be determined annually by the Vice Chancellor for Administration. 17.1.b. The loan amount is based upon funding availability. 17.2. Awards will be paid to the recipient’s educational loan institution, not directly to the recipient,

• nly after the Commission determines that the recipient has complied with all the terms of the agreement.

17.3. Recipients may have their award terminated or may be required to repay all or part of an award according to the terms of Section 9 10 of this rule if the recipient does not comply with the terms of the agreement. 17.4. Award amounts shall not exceed the applicant’s outstanding loan balance. 17.5. Loans eligible for loan repayment assistance are federal student loans in the applicant’s name that were used for educational costs associated with obtaining a degree in school counseling, teaching or a teaching credential. Parent PLUS Loans are not eligible for loan repayment assistance. 17.6. Loan repayment assistance shall not reimburse applicants for payments to loans already made. 17.7. Federal teacher loan forgiveness programs shall be considered when awards are calculated. 17.8. Recipients shall annually submit proof of fulfillment of the terms of the loan assistance agreement to the Commission in accordance with the loan assistance agreement. The award may be canceled if the recipient does not submit proof of fulfillment of the terms of the loan assistance agreement by the required deadline. 17.9. Half of the annual award will be paid after fulfilling the first year of the agreement; the second half of the annual award will be paid after fulfilling the second year of the agreement. §133-26-18. Loan Assistance Repayment Program Renewals. 18.1. The recipient is eligible for renewal of loan assistance only during the periods when the recipient is under contract with a county board to teach in a subject area of critical need a critical teacher shortage field or serve as a school counselor at the elementary, middle, or secondary level in a school or geographic area of critical need. 18.2. An applicant must have completed the terms of previous loan assistance awards before being renewed. 18.3. A renewal applicant who is teaching or serving as a school counselor under a contract in a position that no longer meets the definition of critical need defined in Section 14.4 above is eligible for renewal of loan assistance until the teacher leaves his or her current position. 18.4. No recipient may receive loan assistance in excess of $15,000. which accumulates in excess of an amount established by the Commission. §133-26-19. Loan Assistance Repayment Program Cancelation.

22

133CSR26

11 19.1. A recipient’s service and monetary obligation is excused in the event the recipient meets the terms of Section 11 12 of this rule. §133-26-20. Loan Assistance Deferment. 20.1. A recipient is not considered in violation of the agreement entered into and is eligible for consideration of deferment of fulfilling the obligation if the recipient meets the terms of Section 10 11 of this rule.

23

24

Report to the Legislative Oversight Commission

• n Education Accountability

Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program

25

26

October 3, 2019

TeachinWV.com

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

27

October 3, 2019

TeachinWV.com

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

• $10K per year for 4 years
• Up to $40,000, plus stackable with
• ther scholarships and grants
• Annual cohorts of 25 scholars
• National applicant pool
• Mentoring component
• Willing to teach in a West Virginia public

school for 5 years

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

28

October 3, 2019

TeachinWV.com

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

• Scholars receive support and

guidance from a practicing West Virginia teacher mentor.

• Scholars spend valuable time in their

mentor’s classroom – beginning their first semester.

• Mentoring component gives Scholars

a greater chance at success in college and the experience they need to graduate as highly prepared teachers.

29

October 3, 2019

TeachinWV.com

APPLICATION PROCESS

Round 1 Prequalification Round 2 Formal Application Round 3 Finalists Submit Videos

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

30

October 3, 2019

TeachinWV.com

OUR PRIORITIES TODAY…

• GETTING THE WORD OUT
• Mailers, social media, marketing
• Why this program is more than a grant – service and mentorship
• Familiarization with school counselors
• Promotion to a regional and national audience
• Building a pool of qualified mentors
• Selecting highly qualified mentors
• Support and experience provided by mentors (one-on-one counseling, classroom

experiences)

• Follow-up after the student graduates and becomes a teacher

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

31

October 3, 2019

TeachinWV.com

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

32